Open AccessCall for a Paradigm Shift in the Genetic Management of Fragmented Populations
Author(s) -
Ralls Katherine,
Ballou Jonathan D.,
Dudash Michele R.,
Eldridge Mark D. B.,
Fenster Charles B.,
Lacy Robert C.,
Sunnucks Paul,
Frankham Richard
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
conservation letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.153
H-Index - 79
ISSN - 1755-263X
DOI - 10.1111/conl.12412
Subject(s) - outbreeding depression , extinction (optical mineralogy) , conservation genetics , biology , conservation biology , metapopulation , evolutionary biology , environmental resource management , ecology , environmental ethics , inbreeding , genetics , allele , sociology , economics , population , gene , demography , philosophy , biological dispersal , paleontology , microsatellite
Thousands of small populations are at increased risk of extinction because genetics and evolutionary biology are not well‐integrated into conservation planning–a major lost opportunity for effective actions. We propose that if the risk of outbreeding depression is low, the default should be to evaluate restoration of gene flow to small inbred populations of diploid outbreeding organisms that were isolated by human activities within the last 500 years, rather than inaction. We outline the elements of a scientific‐based genetic management policy for fragmented populations of plants and animals, and discuss the reasons why the current default policy is, inappropriately, inaction.